BASIC CALCULUS

Module No. 2: Week 2: First Quarter

(Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic and Trigonometric Functions)

Welcome to the Basic Calculus module.

This module was created to offer meaningful opportunities for guided and independent
learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the contents of this
module while being an active learner.

Remember that your academic success lies in your own hands so enjoy your journey in
learning through this module.

Please be guided by the following reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
3. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
4. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next. Do not skip any part of this
module.
5. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to
consult your teacher. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain
deep understanding of the relevant competencies.
You can do it!

1
 Learning Competencies
• Compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
using tables of values and graphs of the functions (STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-1)
sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
• Illustrate limits involving the expressions , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 using table
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

of values (STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-2)

Objectives
At the end of this module, the learner shall be able to:
• Compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
using tables of values and graphs of the functions
sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
• Illustrate limits involving the expressions , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 using table
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

of values

Let’s Recall
Match the concept in Column A with its corresponding notation I Column B.
Write the letter of your answer on the space provided.
Column A Column B
_____ 1. Exponential function to the base b A. f(x) = logb x
sin 𝜃
_____ 2. Natural exponential function B.
cos 𝜃

_____ 3. Logarithmic function to the base b C. all real numbers

1
_____ 4. Natural logarithmic function D. sin 𝜃

_____ 5. Domain of exponential functions E. f(x) = bx

cos 𝜃
_____ 6. Domain of logarithmic functions F. sin 𝜃
1
_____ 7. tan  G. tan 𝜃

_____ 8. cot  H. f(x) = ex

1
_____ 9. sec  I.
cos 𝜃

_____ 10. csc  J. (0, +∞)

K. f(x) = ln x = loge x

2
 Let’s Understand

Real-world situations can be expressed in terms of functional relationships. These

functional relationships are called mathematical models. In applications of calculus, it is
quite important that one can generate these mathematical models. They sometimes use
functions that you encountered in Pre-Calculus, like the exponential, logarithmic, and
trigonometric functions. Hence, we start this lesson by recalling these functions and their
corresponding graphs.
(a) If b > 0, b ≠ 1, the exponential function with base b is defined by f(x) = bx , x ∈ R.
(b) Let b > 0, b ≠ 1. If by = x then y is called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted
y = logb x.

You may use your

calculator.
EVALUATING LIMITS OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS
First, we consider the natural exponential function f(x) = ex, where e is called the Euler
number, and has value 2.718281....

Example 1: Evaluate lim 𝑒 𝑥 .

𝑥→0

Solution: We will construct the table of values for f(x) = ex

a. Approaching 0 from the left b. Approaching 0 from the right

x f(x) x f(x)
-1 0.36787944117 1 2.71828182846
-0.5 0.60653065971 0.5 1.6487212707
-0.1 0.90483741803 0.1 1.10517091808
-0.01 0.99004983374 0.01 1.01005016708
-0.001 0.99900049983 0.001 1.00100050017
-0.0001 0.999900049983 0.0001 1.000100005
-0.00001 0.99999000005 0.00001 1.00001000005

Intuitively, from the table above, Intuitively, from the table above,
lim− 𝑒 𝑥 = 1. lim+ 𝑒 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Combining the two one-sided limits allows us to conclude that

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 = 𝟏.
𝒙→𝟎

3
We can use the graph of f(x) = ex to determine its limit as x approaches 0. The figure
below is the graph of f(x) = ex.

Looking at the graph, as the values of x approach 0, either from the right or the left,
the values of f(x) will get closer and closer to 1. We also have the following:
a. lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑒 = 2.718 …
𝑥→1

b. lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑒 2 = 7.389 …
𝑥→2

c. lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑒 −1 = 0.367 …
𝑥→−1

Image: CHED Teaching Guide for Senior High School:

Basic Calculus

EVALUATING LIMITS OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Now, consider the natural logarithmic function f(x) = ln x. Recall that ln x = loge x.
Moreover, it is the inverse of the natural exponential function y = ex.

Example 2: Evaluate lim ln 𝑥 .

𝑥→1

Solution: We will construct the table of values for f(x) = ln x.

a. Approaching 1 from the left b. Approaching 1 from the right

x f(x) x f(x)
0.1 -2.30258509299 2 0.69314718056
0.5 -0.69314718056 1.5 0.4054651081
0.9 -0.10536051565 1.1 0.0953101798
0.99 -0.01005033585 1.01 0.00995033085
0.999 -0.00100050033 1.001 0.00099950033
0.9999 -0.000100005 1.0001 0.000099995
0.99999 -0.00001000005 1.00001 0.00000999995

Intuitively, from the table above, Intuitively, from the table above,
lim− ln 𝑥 = 0. lim+ ln 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Combining the two one-sided limits allows us to conclude that

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒍𝒏 𝒙 = 𝟎.
𝒙→𝟏

4
We now consider the common logarithmic function f(x) = log10 x. Recall that
f(x) = log10 x = log x.

Example 3: Evaluate lim log 𝑥.

𝑥→1

Solution: We will construct the table of values for f(x) = log x.

a. Approaching 1 from the left b. Approaching 1 from the right

x f(x) x f(x)
0.1 -1 2 0.30102999566
0.5 -0.30102999566 1.5 0.17609125905
0.9 -0.04575749056 1.1 0.04139268515
0.99 -0.0043648054 1.01 0.00432137378
0.999 -0.00043451177 1.001 0.00043407747
0.9999 -0.00004343161 1.0001 0.00004342727
0.99999 -0.00000434296 1.00001 0.00000434292

Intuitively, from the table above, Intuitively, from the table above,
lim− log 𝑥 = 0. lim+ log 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Combining the two one-sided limits allows us to conclude that

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝒙 = 𝟎.
𝒙→𝟏

Consider now the graphs of both the natural and common logarithmic functions. We
can use the following graphs to determine their limits as x approaches 1.

The figure helps verify our observations that lim 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 = 0 and lim 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 = 0. Also, based
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

on the figure, we have

a. lim 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→𝑒

b. lim 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→10

c. lim 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 = ln 3 = 1.09 …
𝑥→3

d. lim 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 = log 3 = 0.47 …

𝑥→3

e. lim+ 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 = −∞
𝑥→0

f. lim+ 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 = −∞ Image: CHED Teaching Guide for Senior High School:
𝑥→0 Basic Calculus

LIMITS OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

5
EXAMPLE 4: Evaluate lim sin 𝑥.
𝑥→0

Solution. We will construct the table of values for f(x) = sin x.

b. Approaching 0 from the left b. Approaching 0 from the right

x f(x) x f(x)
-1 -0.84147099848 1 0.84147099848
-0.5 -0.9588510772 0.5 0.9588510772
-0.1 -0.9983341665 0.1 0.9983341665
-0.01 -0.9999833334 0.01 0.9999833334
-0.001 -0.9999998333 0.001 0.9999998333
-0.0001 -0.99999999983 0.0001 0.99999999983
-0.00001 -0.00000999999 0.00001 0.00000999999

As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the values of f(x) get closer and closer to 0.
In symbols, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 = 𝟎.
𝒙→𝟎

We can also find lim sin 𝑥 by using the graph of the sine function. Consider the graph of
𝑥→0

f(x) = sin x.

Image: CHED Teaching Guide for Senior High School:

Basic Calculus

The graph validates our observation that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 = 𝟎. Also, using the graph, we have the
𝒙→𝟎

following:
a. lim𝜋 sin 𝑥 = 1 c. lim𝜋 sin 𝑥 = −1
𝑥→ 𝑥→−
2 2

b. lim sin 𝑥 = 0 d. lim sin 𝑥 = 0

𝑥→𝜋 𝑥→−𝜋

Think about this…

What have you observed about the limit of the functions above and their functional value
at a point? Have you realized that if f is either exponential, logarithmic or trigonometric,
and if c is a real number which is in the domain of f, then
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒄)
𝒙→𝒄

This property is also shared by polynomials and rational functions.

6
MORE EXAMPLES:
1. Evaluate lim 2𝑥
𝑥→1

Solution:
a. Approaching 1 from the left b. Approaching 1 from the right

x f(x) x f(x)
0 1 2 4
0.5 1.414213562 1.5 2.828427125
0.9 1.866065983 1.1 2.143546925
0.99 1.986184991 1.01 2.0139111
0.999 1.998614186 1.001 2.001386775
0.9999 1.999861375 1.0001 2.000138634
0.99999 1.999986137 1.00001 2.000013863

Thus, the lim 2𝑥 = 2.

𝑥→1

Using the graph at the right,

a. lim 2𝑥 = 1
𝑥→0

b. lim 2𝑥 = 4
𝑥→2
1
c. lim 2𝑥 = 2
𝑥→−1
1
d. lim 2𝑥 = 4
𝑥→−2

Image: CHED Teaching Guide for Senior High School:

Basic Calculus

2. Evaluate lim cos 𝑥.

𝑥→0

Solution. We will construct the table of values for f(x) = sin x.

a. Approaching 0 from the left b. Approaching 0 from the right
x f(x) x f(x)
-1 0.999847695 1 0.999847695
-0.5 0.999961923 0.5 0.999961923
-0.1 0.999998476 0.1 0.999998476
-0.01 0.999999984 0.01 0.999999984
-0.001 0.999999999 0.001 0.999999999
-0.0001 0.9999999999 0.0001 0.9999999999
-0.00001 0.99999999999 0.00001 0.99999999999

7
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙 = 𝟏.
𝒙→𝟎

Image: CHED Teaching Guide for Senior High School:

Basic Calculus

Based on the figure,

1. lim𝜋 cos 𝑥 = 0 3. lim𝜋 cos 𝑥 = 0.5
𝑥→ 𝑥→
2 3

2. lim𝜋 cos 𝑥 = 0.70710 4. lim cos 𝑥 = −1

𝑥→ 𝑥→𝜋
4

sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
LIMITS INVOLVING THE EXPRESSIONS , 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

We will determine the limits of three special functions; namely

sin 𝑡 1 − cos 𝑡 𝑒𝑡 − 1
𝑓(𝑡) = , 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ(𝑡) =
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
These functions will be vital to the computation of the derivatives of the sine, cosine, and
natural exponential functions.

sin 𝑡
We start by evaluating the function 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡
.
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡
Example 1: Evaluate lim .
𝑡→0 𝑡
sin 𝑡
Solution: We will construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑡) = .
𝑡

a. Approaching 0 from the left b. Approaching 0 from the right

t f(t) t f(t)
-1 0.84147099848 1 0.84147099848
-0.5 0.9588510772 0.5 0.9588510772
-0.1 0.9983341665 0.1 0.9983341665
-0.01 0.9999833334 0.01 0.9999833334
-0.001 0.9999998333 0.001 0.9999998333
-0.0001 0.99999999983 0.0001 0.99999999983

8
 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒕
Since lim− and lim+ are both equal to 1, we conclude that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟏.
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝒕→𝟎 𝒕
sin 𝑡
The graph of 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡
below confirms that y-values approach 1 as t approaches 0.

Image: CHED Teaching Guide for Senior High School:

Basic Calculus

𝒕
Note: By applying the Limit Law on quotients, it can also be shown that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟏.
𝒕→𝟎 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒕

1−cos 𝑡
Now consider the function 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑡
.
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡
Example 2: Evaluate lim .
𝑡→0 𝑡
1−cos 𝑡
Solution: We will construct the table of values for 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑡
.

a. Approaching 0 from the left b. Approaching 0 from the right

t f(t) t f(t)
-1 -0.4596976941 1 0.4596976941
-0.5 -0.2448348762 0.5 0.2448348762
-0.1 -0.04995834722 0.1 0.04995834722
-0.01 -0.0049999583 0.01 0.0049999583
-0.001 -0.0004999999 0.001 0.0004999999
-0.0001 -0.000005 0.0001 0.000005

1−cos 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝟏−𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒕

Since lim− and lim+ are both equal to 0, we conclude that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎.
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝒕→𝟎 𝒕
1−cos 𝑡
Below is the graph of 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑡
. We see that the y-values approach 0 as t tends to 0.

Image: CHED Teaching Guide for Senior High School:

Basic Calculus

9
 𝑒 𝑡 −1
We now consider the special function ℎ(𝑡) = .
𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1
Example 3: Evaluate lim .
𝑡→0 𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1
Solution: We will construct the table of values for ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑡
.

a. Approaching 0 from the left b. Approaching 0 from the right

t f(t) t f(t)
-1 0.6321205588 1 1.718281828
-0.5 0.7869386806 0.5 1.297442541
-0.1 0.9516258196 0.1 1.051709181
-0.01 0.9950166251 0.01 1.005016708
-0.001 0.9995001666 0.001 1.000500167
-0.0001 0.9999500016 0.0001 1.000050002

𝑒 𝑡 −1 𝑒 𝑡 −1 𝒆𝒕 −𝟏
Since lim− and lim+ are both equal to 1, we conclude that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟏.
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝒕→𝟎 𝒕

𝑒 𝑡 −1
The graph of ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑡
below confirms that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒕) = 𝟏.
𝒕→𝟎

Image: CHED Teaching Guide for Senior High School:

Basic Calculus

More Examples:
sin 7𝑥
1. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→0 𝑥

Solution: Let u = 7x. Then, as x→0, so does u, and

sin 7𝑥 sin 7𝑥 7sin 𝑢
lim 𝑥
= lim 7𝑥
•7 = lim 𝑢
= 7 (1) = 𝟕
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

𝑥2
2. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→0 sin 5𝑥 2
1 5𝑥 2 1 1
Solution: Note that as x→0, 5x2→0. Thus, lim • = • 1 = 5.
𝑥→0 5 sin 5𝑥 2 5

10
 1−cos 5𝑥
3. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→0 sin 9𝑥

Solution: Note that 1

1 − cos 5𝑥 1 − cos 5𝑥
1 − cos 5𝑥 •5
lim = lim 𝑥 = lim 5𝑥
𝑥→0 sin 9𝑥 𝑥→0 sin 9𝑥 𝑥→0 sin 9𝑥
𝑥 9𝑥 • 9
Now, as x→0, we have both 5x→0 and 9x→0, and so
1−cos 5𝑥 sin 9𝑥
lim = 0 and lim =1
𝑥→0 5𝑥 𝑥→0 9𝑥

Thus,
1−cos 5𝑥
1−cos 5𝑥 •5 0(5)
5𝑥
lim = lim sin 9𝑥 = = 0.
𝑥→0 sin 9𝑥 𝑥→0 •9 1(9)
9𝑥

Let’s Apply
Evaluate the following limits by constructing their respective tables of values.
1. lim 3𝑥 4. lim cos 𝑥
𝑥→1 𝑥→0
𝑥
2. lim 5 5. lim tan 𝑥
𝑥→2 𝑥→0
sin(6𝑥)
3. lim log 𝑥 6. lim
𝑥→4 𝑥→0 𝑥

Let’s Analyze
A. Given the graph below, evaluate the following limits.

1. lim 𝑏 𝑥
𝑥→0

2. lim 𝑏 𝑥
𝑥→1

3. lim 𝑏 𝑥
𝑥→−1

4. lim 𝑏 𝑥
𝑥→2

5. lim 𝑏 𝑥
𝑥→−2

11
 B. Given the graph of the cosine function f(x) = cos x, evaluate the
following limits:

1. lim cos 𝑥 3. lim

3𝜋
cos 𝑥 5. lim
5𝜋
cos 𝑥
𝑥→0 𝑥→ 𝑥→
2 2

2. lim cos 𝑥 4. lim cos 𝑥

𝑥→2𝜋 𝑥→3𝜋

Let’s Evaluate

Evaluate the following limits.

1. lim 𝑒 𝑥 11. lim
3𝜋
sin 𝑥
𝑥→−1 𝑥→
2
𝑥
2. lim 𝑒 12. lim𝜋 sin 𝑥
𝑥→2 𝑥→
4
𝜋
3. lim 𝑒 𝑥−2 13. lim𝜋 sin( − 𝑥)
𝑥→1 𝑥→ 4
2
𝑥
4. lim 2 14. lim𝜋 cos 𝑥
𝑥→0 𝑥→
2
𝜋
5. lim 3𝑥 15. lim
3𝜋
cos(x + 2 )
𝑥→0 𝑥→
2
1
sin 𝑥
2
6. lim 3 𝑥+1
16. lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥→0 𝑥
sin 9𝑥
7. lim 2𝑥−1 17. lim
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 sin 10𝑥
𝑡𝑎𝑛2 3𝑥
8. lim ln(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1) 18. lim
𝑥→1 𝑥→0 𝑥2
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
9. lim ln(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 1) 19. lim
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 tan 𝑥
5 cos 3𝑥 2 −5
10. lim ln( 𝑥 + 2) 20. lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥→0 sin 8𝑥 2

12